DOHA: The Fisheries Department is putting curbs on fishing during the breeding season that lasts from April to May, but officials have allayed fears of shortages which might lead to a price rise.
Fishing boats and trawlers will need written permission from the Fisheries Department of the Ministry of Environment to venture on fishing expeditions during the breeding period. The idea is to help protect fish reserves in the Qatari waters by introducing curbs on fishing. A boat or trawler will not be allowed to go fishing more than thrice a month in April and May. Moreover, every trip by a boat or trawler, or stay in the waters, should not exceed four days, local Arabic daily Al Raya reported yesterday quoting head of the Fisheries Department, Mohamed Saeed Al Mohannadi.
Al Mohannadi said that April and May are the breeding time for Al Shafi and Hamour fish (both of which are in demand in the country) that account for some 40 percent of the fish stock found in the region. The official, however, said he did not see any shortage in fish catch and supplies that could lead to a price rise. If the weather is good, there would be enough catch and supplies, he said.
The Peninsula
